Al Burda Award celebrates the enduring stature of poetry as a creative expressive medium that illuminates the noble life of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and his unique character through the beauty of language and the eloquence of expression.
The Award opens participation to classical Arabic poetry, Nabati poetry, and free verse, affirming its appreciation of the aesthetics of the Arabic language and highlighting its cultural impact across the Arab and Islamic worlds.
The poetry category represents a living embodiment of the Award’s name, “Al Burda,” inspired by the renowned poem composed by Imam Al-Busiri in the 7th century H (13th century G) in praise of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Categories & Criteria
Classical Poetry
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Prizes
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Free Verse Poetry
- Poem Theme: The poem must reflect this year’s Al Burda Award theme, “Family.. Tranquillity and Compassion.” Any poem that does not adhere to this theme will not be accepted.
- Poetic Form: The poem must be written in Classical Arabic (Fusha) and composed in one of the pure Arabic metrical forms based on a single repeated foot, while also demonstrating careful attention to internal rhythm.
- Number of Lines: The poem must consist of no fewer than 20 and no more than 35 lines.
- Language and Style: The poem must be written in grammatically and orthographically sound Arabic, with a visual presentation appropriate to the nature of poetic text.
- Originality: The poem must be an original and new work produced solely by the submitting poet, and must not have been written, developed, or completed in collaboration with, or with the assistance of, any other party.
- Previous Publication and Participation: The poem must be unpublished in any print or digital medium, including newspapers, magazines, and websites, and must not have been previously submitted to or entered in any awards or competitions.
- Number of Submissions: Each poet may submit one poem only. Submissions from winners of first or second place in any Award category will not be accepted in the edition immediately following the one in which they won. They may apply again starting from the second edition following their win. (For example, a winner in the nineteenth edition is not eligible to apply in the twentieth edition, and may apply again starting from the twenty-first edition.)
- Method of Submission: Submissions will be accepted electronically only, by uploading the poem in Word format through the application form available on the Award’s official website.
- Audio Recording: The poet must also attach an audio recording containing a full reading of the poem through the same electronic application form.
Prizes
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Nabati poetry
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Prizes
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